Illegal alien Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez faces federal charges following arrest for murder

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Salvadoran national has been charged in a criminal complaint in the Eastern District of Virginia with possession of a firearm by an alien illegally present in the United States.

“This office is resolute in enforcing the immigration laws of the United States, and we will vigorously prosecute individuals who commit acts of violence in our communities,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We are committed to holding accountable those who choose to ignore our laws and threaten or harm our residents. Protecting the public is the highest priority of the Eastern District of Virginia, and that mission is best accomplished through close cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.”

According to the complaint, Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez, 23, illegally entered the United States on Sept. 16, 2016.

On Dec. 17, Fairfax County Police Department officers responded to a call for service at a residence in Reston. Inside the residence, officers located a deceased victim with apparent gunshot wounds. Video footage appears to show Morales fleeing from the residence. Officers later located and arrested Morales. As alleged in the complaint, Morales was in possession of a firearm.

Morales is currently in state custody on a charge of second degree murder.

If convicted, Morales Ortez faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-mj-732.

A complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.